What are the autoimmune diseases that need bone marrow transplant?
Bone marrow transplants are typically considered for severe cases of autoimmune diseases when other treatments have not been successful, and the disease is life-threatening or severely debilitating. Some autoimmune diseases that may warrant a bone marrow transplant include:
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID): Although SCID is primarily an immune system disorder, it can be considered an autoimmune disease because the immune system fails to distinguish between self and non-self, leading to severe infections. Bone marrow transplants can replace the defective immune system with a healthy one.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): In very rare and severe cases of progressive MS, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (a type of bone marrow transplant) has been considered as a treatment option to reset the immune system.
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): Severe cases of systemic sclerosis, which affect multiple organs and tissues, may be candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to suppress the overactive immune response.
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): While not a common treatment, bone marrow transplantation has been explored as a potential therapy for severe and refractory cases of lupus.
The decision to pursue a transplant is made on an individual basis, taking into account the patient's overall health, the severity of the disease, and other treatment options available. Patients should consult with a specialist who can assess their specific situation and discuss the potential benefits and risks of a bone marrow transplant.
What is the cost of bone marrow transplant in India?
The cost of a bone marrow transplant in India can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of transplant (autologous or allogeneic), the hospital or medical facility, the city or region where the procedure is performed, the patient's overall health, and any complications that may arise during or after the transplant.
The cost of a bone marrow transplant in India could range from approximately ₹10 lakhs to ₹40 lakhs or even more.
Autologous transplants tend to be less expensive than allogeneic transplants because they involve using the patient's own stem cells. Allogeneic transplants, which require finding a suitable donor, can be more costly due to donor-related expenses.
Patients and their families are advised to consult with medical facilities directly, discuss their specific case with healthcare professionals, and inquire about the current costs and potential financial assistance or insurance options available to them. Healthcare providers and government schemes may offer support to help manage the expenses associated with bone marrow transplants.
Know more about bone marrow transplant, cost of bone marrow transplant in Delhi and in India, success and risks of bone marrow transplant.
Comments